A convicted felon from North Brookfield, Massachusetts, has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Seth Decoteau, 36, is accused of possessing several guns and a large quantity of ammunition, despite being prohibited from doing so due to a prior felony conviction.
The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2018, Decoteau possessed a 20 gauge bolt action shotgun, a 12 gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber bolt action rifle, a short-barreled rifle, a silencer, and approximately 1,225 rounds of ammunition. This is a clear violation of federal law, which prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms.
Decoteau is facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered firearm. The first charge carries a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The second charge also carries a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Decoteau’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of felons possessing firearms. Law enforcement agencies and citizens must remain vigilant in reporting and prosecuting these crimes to keep our communities safe.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. Decoteau is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Q. Wan and Greg A. Friedholm.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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